HAGERSTOWN, Md. — Washington County commissioners approved a one-year airport lease extension, adopted new concussion and abuse-prevention policies for county recreation programs and authorized a Sheriff’s Office supervisory change during a brief meeting Tuesday.
The actions came before commissioners moved into closed session to discuss appointments, personnel matters and legal advice.
Lease extensions raise hangar rent
Commissioners approved a 12-month extension of Royal Aircraft Services LLC’s leases for Hangars 21 and 22 at Hagerstown Regional Airport while the county and company continue negotiating a longer-term agreement.
The temporary agreement establishes a uniform rental rate of $7 per square foot for the two hangars. The extension runs through Sept. 30, 2027.
The two leases currently generate about $131,426 annually, according to the commissioners’ agenda packet. Under the temporary rate, annual rent will increase to $212,800, an increase of about $81,000.
Airport Director Bill Doran said the hangars date to approximately the late 1980s. Commissioners approved the extension without opposition.
Concussion safety measures approved
Commissioners adopted a formal concussion-management policy for Parks and Recreation programs following a risk-control review by the county’s insurer, Travelers.
County officials said procedures for dealing with concussions already existed, but the county lacked a formal written policy. The insurer recommended adopting one to address the county’s liability exposure.
The policy provides guidance for recognizing and reporting possible concussions and contacting emergency services when participants exhibit specified symptoms. Organizations using county recreational facilities will have a designated Parks and Recreation contact but will not require a county employee to be physically present at every event.
Abuse, molestation policies also okayed
Commissioners also approved a separate abuse and misconduct prevention policy after the same insurance review identified the absence of a formal county policy addressing physical abuse and molestation.
The policy establishes procedures for training, screening, reporting, investigations and disciplinary action. Human Resources officials said having a formal policy will also allow the county to document that organizations using county facilities have received information about their responsibilities.
Position reclassified
Commissioners approved reclassifying an existing master deputy position as a sergeant position at an additional annual salary cost of approximately $6,600, excluding benefits.
Maj. Joel Fulton said the Sheriff’s Office had converted a sergeant position to lieutenant during the fiscal 2027 budget process but inadvertently failed to convert a master deputy position to replace the resulting first-line supervisory vacancy.
An employee currently occupying the master deputy position has completed the promotional process and was awaiting commissioners’ approval to move into the supervisory position, Fulton said. The change does not add another employee to the Sheriff’s Office.
